SeeAbility launches new partnership to mark its 220th year

To mark its 220th anniversary year, SeeAbility will launch a new programme that aims to ensure adults with learning disabilities and autism can learn about the importance of eye care and access the services they need locally.

The Every Day in Focus initiative has been established through a £495,000 National Lottery Community Fund Grant. The programme will be led by eye care champions whose role it will be to work with local groups to reach 7000 people with learning disabilities, as well as more than 5000 eye care practitioners.

The programme will initially begin in the north west, including Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria, and will also be rolled out in all 32 boroughs in London.

Speaking about the funding, chief executive of SeeAbility Lisa Hopkins, said: “We are delighted to work with the National Lottery Community Fund, which shares our values of putting people with learning disabilities in the lead to ensure communities are stronger and more inclusive.”

England director at the National Lottery Community Fund, James Harcourt, added: “Thanks to National Lottery players, people with learning disabilities will be able to get the help they need and learn more about vital eye care.”

During 2019, SeeAbility will mark its 220th year through with a series of events, as well as by highlighting the talents and achievements of people with learning disabilities, autism and sight loss. Celebrations aim to help the charity forge new partnerships with organisations that share its vision of making society more inclusive for all.

SeeAbility was founded in 1799 by a group of philanthropists and today is one of the oldest charities that is dedicated to supporting people with learning disabilities.